Encountering the Old Testament, 3rd Edition
A Christian Survey
series: Encountering Biblical Studies
Chapter
18. Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther: A Time to Rebuild
Chapter Intro Video
Chapter Objectives
- Explain the benefits of studying Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther together
- Outline the basic content of the books of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther.
- Compare the literary styles used in Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther
- Discuss the question of the authorship of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther
- Explain the chronology of Ezra and Nehemiah
- Identify the theological themes in Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther
Chapter Summary
- The books of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther have a common origin in the Persian period of Jewish history.
- King Cyrus of Persia captured Babylon and issued a decree that released the Jews.
- The Jews were able to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem, but because of numerous problems, it was not completed until 516 BC.
- Ezra was an important scribe in the community of Jews that returned from Babylon.
- Nehemiah was concerned that the walls of Jerusalem were in ruins. He was able to motivate the people to rebuild them.
- Ezra and Nehemiah led the people in the renewal of the covenant.
- Ezra and Nehemiah are unique in that they contain first-person accounts.
- The book of Esther is a romantic novel that is written as a short story.
- The exclusive worship of God was a critical matter for the Jews during the rule of the Persian Empire. The book of Esther shows how God’s people should respond in a pluralistic society.
- The Jewish Feast of Purim originated because of the way God saved the Jews thanks to Mordecai and Esther.
Study Questions
Ezra-Nehemiah
- What period of time is covered in the Books of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther?
- Discuss some of the important differences among these books. How do these differences make the books complement one another?
- Why are Ezra and Nehemiah often studied as one continuous work?
- What role did Ezra play among the returning exiles?
- What is the all-consuming question faced by the people at this time?
- Discuss the concept of Israelite Yahwism as exclusivistic.
- Why were the mixed marriages found in the book of Ezra a threat to God’s people at this time?
- With what events is the book of Nehemiah concerned?
- What social problems are found among the Israelites at this time?
- Discuss the problems of authorship and chronology connected to Ezra and Nehemiah.
- What are some of the theological themes of Ezra and Nehemiah?
Esther
- What unusual feature does the book of Esther have?
- What is the theme of this book?
- Discuss the subtleties of this book and how they affect the story being told.
- Who is the main character of Esther?
- What does the book of Esther teach about life in a pluralistic and multireligious society?